Distelrath Farms on the southeast side of Indianapolis is 7 1/2 acres of vision and passion for the future. Andrew and Sarah Distelrath and their two little daughters have created a thriving co-op farm out of neglected fields, and are planting the seeds for something even bigger: the Academy of Distelrath Farms, an agriculturally immersed private school.
It’s early days for plans for the school, but the Distelrath’s vision is clear — and ambitious. Andrew is a staff member at Avondale Meadows Academy, spearheading the School to Farm Initiative. Working with urban students and seeing how working the soil improves academic performance as well as character and problem-solving skills, Andrew believes that for many students, working with their hands and learning from real world experience works better than traditional books (or computer) learning.
“We need a paradigm shift in how we teach teachers and how teachers see themselves. I see teachers as facilitators of learning experiences, guiding students.” He believes current teaching models of teachers giving students information and the kids giving it back to them doesn’t work for many students. “Kids need to be in the real world, learning real things.”
And what is more real than a farm, with its cycles of growth and harvest and renewal? Students at the Academy would be active participants in Distelrath Farms, taking care of livestock, building their own classrooms, picking produce and cooking their own lunch, and spending time learning in a more formal manner. Along the way, the kids would learn all the core curriculum required to pass standardized exams — and be able to put the information to practical use. Estimated class sizes would be 12 to 16 students. Andrew noted that they are aiming to start grades 5-9 classes first, then add K-4 and high schoolers as momentum builds.
The first meeting to discuss how to get the Academy in motion took place September 4 at the farm, with about 25 people attending. Several roles need to be filled in order to make this vision happen, but the core Distelrath Farms board of directors believe that it can happen. The timeline for the first Academy of Distrelrath Farms is fall of 2016. They are beginning the recruitment process for volunteers to help in many aspects of starting the school, including potential students and their families.
Wife Sarah manages the farm full time while she is on maternity leave with their second child. Soon, she will return to her corporate job with a renewable energy company that builds wind turbines for wind farms across the world. Andrew said that he will be dedicating all of his time and attention to the farm after ensuring the School to Farm Initiative at Avondale Meadows is in good hands.
Managing a farm and home is an around-the-clock effort. Even with co-op members volunteering three hour shifts every week, there is always a lot to do on a farm. The farm is designed to be as self-sustaining as possible. A few hogs penned in a large area clear the land and “fertilize” it at the same time; in autumn, the hogs are processed, the improved soil composted and turned, ready for planting next year. Goats, cattle, and chickens perform similar functions throughout — grazing and improving the soil that will grow more food. Parts of the acreage are given over to native trees that provide wind breaks and forage for the hogs. Sarah noted that her grocery store trips usually involve just dairy products — pretty much everything the family consumes is grown on the farm. And it is all organic and fresh.
Others also share the bounty. Co-op members work a three-hour shift and take home enough produce to last the week, and can also purchase meat and eggs from the farm at a significant discount. They can choose what they want to do on the farm, whether working in the gardens, tending livestock, to marketing. There is a farm shop every Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Distelrath Farms also work hand-in-hand with Arlington Farms, a community supported agriculture (CSA) group right around the corner.
Among the gardens and squawking chickens, the Distelraths can envision the school. “Over there, that’s were the kids will build their schoolroom,” Andrew says, pointing west to the middle of an empty field. “Over there,” he points a little to the east, “could be the partly emergency shelter, with maybe a gathering area on the roof.”
Distelrath Farms is located at 6302 E. Raymond St. Visit their Web site, www.distelrathfarms.com for more information about their shop, farm, and the school.
